Boss SY-1 Synthesizer
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Boss
SY-1 Synthesizer
Product Info
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The SY-1 is a seriously cool and surprisingly affordable gateway into synth sounds for guitar and bass. It's fantastic for adding textures, pads, and unique bass lines to your playing – think progressive rock, electronic music, or just adding a little something different to your tone. The learning curve is a bit steeper than a simple overdrive, but the sonic payoff is worth it.
Product Description
- Boss SY-1 Synthesizer
- Effect Pedal for Electric Guitar & Bass
- Allows for latency-free playing of synthesizer sounds with the guitar
- Polyphonic sound generation
- 121 Sounds
- Can be connected via a conventional 6.3 mm jack cable
- Features leads
- pads
- organs
- basses and more
- as well as a variety of sound effects and rhythmic synthesizer patterns
- Controls: Type
- Variation
- Tone
- Depth
- Effect
- Direct
- Switch: Guitar/Bass
- LED: Effect On
- Footswitch: Effect Bypass
- Input: 6.3 mm jack
- Output: 6.3 mm jack
- FX Loop Send & Return: 2 x 6.3 mm jack
- EXP/CTL input: 6.3 mm Stereo jack
- Power adapter connection: AC adapter
- 5.5 x 2.1 mm
- negative polarity inside
- Power consumption: 85 mA
- Powered via 9 V battery or 9 V DC power supply (not included - corresponding power supply available under article no. #409939#)
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 73 x 129 x 59 mm
- Weight: 450g g
PROS
- • Excellent polyphony for complex layered sounds.
- • Boss’s renowned build quality ensures pedal longevity.
- • Comprehensive sound library covers a wide sonic palette.
- • Guitar/Bass switch optimizes response for both instruments.
CONS
- • Latency, while minimized, can still be noticeable with extreme settings.
- • Sound design limitations prevent truly unique, custom patches.
- • Relatively complex menu system demands time to master.
Product Video
Key Features
Effect Type
Synthesizer
Controls
Type, Variation, Tone, Depth, Effect, Direct
Bypass Type
True Bypass
Power Supply
9V DC adapter or battery (not included)
Connections
6.3 mm jack (Input/Output/FX Loop Send/Return), Stereo 6.3 mm EXP/CTL, 5.5 x 2.1 mm DC power
Dimensions
108 mm x 130 mm x 57 mm
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Frequently Asked Questions
While Boss has done a commendable job minimizing latency, it’s still present, especially with heavier synth tones and more complex patches. It's significantly better than older, less sophisticated units, but not entirely imperceptible.
The EXP/CTL input supports expression pedal control, but it’s limited to a single parameter per pedal. More advanced, multi-parameter control requires MIDI connectivity, which isn't natively supported.
Absolutely. The Direct control allows you to blend the dry guitar/bass signal with the synthesized sound, providing a seamless transition between clean and synth tones during live performances.
